We have had lots of bad storms this winter that not only causes problems at home but can also be a dangerous thing to experience when you are driving. Heavy rain is common in the winter months and as well as the rain itself making conditions difficult for motorists, it can also cause flooding which is another hazard of the road.

Being aware of the road, how to drive safely and what road markings and vehicle signs, like these chapter 8 chevrons https://www.pvluk.com/chapter-8-chevrons mean is more important than ever when the weather is bad, and knowing how to navigate floodwater is an essential part of driving.

Firstly, if possible, you should avoid driving through deep water. The manual for your car will give you the maximum safe depth that you can drive through. Be aware that many floods can be deceiving, and you should check the depth before you go into it. Use a stick to do this and walk into it at the deepest point to measure it (of course, if it is already quite deep when you walk in, turn around, don’t carry on walking!)

If you are driving through a ford, there will be a depth gauge that you can check before you drive through it which is handy.

If there is an alternative route that you can take, then it is best to do that. Be aware that water going into your engine can cause it to become hydro locked and this means that it will no longer work, so you will in effect kill your car if this happens!

If other cars are driving through the flood, let them pass before you attempt to enter, as the wave that they create could make the water deeper around your car and get into your engine that way.

Once the road is clear on the other side, you should drive slowly – around 4 miles per hour – as this reduces the risk of making a huge wave and also means that your tyres are less likely to lose contact with the ground, which can put you in a very dangerous situation indeed.

It can be tempting to stop but once you are in the water this is not recommended. This is why you should check the depth beforehand. Stopping can allow water into the exhaust which will cause damage. Go at a steady speed and keep the engine revs high.

Once you are through the other side, press the brakes a few times to dry them and to make sure that they are working correctly.